After a group photo and before the race started, there was a minutes applause in memory of Malcolm Bassett, a man who gave so much to the club, the sport and so much more.

There were lots of great performances all round, with plenty of personal bests and standard times achieved. Results uploaded on the results page above.

Runners of the day go to Helen Wilebore and Paul Clayton, well done both.

Well done and thanks to all those who took part or supported.

Tables after Prestwold 10k show Men were top of Division 2 but with those in 2nd and 3rd pace catching up. Some good attendance and continued good performance should help us to hold on to the top spot. Vet men were 3rd in Division 2.

Women were 6th in Division 1, with B team 3rd in Division 2 and C team 6th in Division 3. Women vets were 6th in Division 1. Well done everyone, keep up the hard work in the last 2 races of the season.

Hinckley Running Club (and friends) had a total of 38 runners across 12 teams enter this years Adidas 24 hour Thunder Run at Catton Park, Derbyshire at the end of July, with many runners covering more miles than they have ever ran before, despite the muddy start.

The endurance event is now a well known national event in the running calendar and see’s solo runners through to teams of 8 run from 12pm Saturday through to 12pm Sunday, with the aim to cover the challenging 10k trail course at all times. Runners don a head torch through the night as they twist and turn through the woods. The aim is to see how many 10k laps can be completed in 24 hours. The smaller the team, the bigger the challenge.

The following 4 club members took on the penultimate challenge of running solo:

A great time was had by all at the tough but sociable event where runners constantly cheer and support each other throughout the 24 hour period.

Hinckley Running Club meet at 6:15pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings outside the entrance to Hinckley Leisure Centre in the summer months and in the small hall corridor in the winter months. For more information contact Club Secretary Paul Clayton on Secretary@hinckleyrunningclub.com.

This Thursday the normal HRC run from Hinckley will be moving to Bradgate Park as part of a “Leicestershire Clubs and Running Groups Get Together”.

You can meet at the Leisure Centre still, but earlier at 6pm to carshare. Or make your own way to Bradgate Park Hallsgate Car Park Cropston (parking fee payable) LE7 7HQ to meet there at 6:40pm for a 7pm start.

Draft results out and uploaded on the results page above, or click here.

The last of the LRRL winter league races for this season. Thanks and well done to the 29 who took part and everyone who supported. We had 15 ladies and 14 men take part. A lot of PBs and great results all round. I was loving the brownies at the end too. Thanks everyone. Photo of a few of us at the end.

Members of Hinckley running club have been going the distance over the last few weeks, taking part in Spring marathons across the UK and beyond. A total of 37 club members have ran the 26.2 mile distance during the spring marathon season, with many runners participating in their first marathon and achieving personal bests. George Birt was the first club runner home at London in 2:36:18. Results are as follows:

Meanwhile club president Geoff Oliver continues to inspire club members to run marathons and beyond. Geoff, 81, recently set 3 new over 80 world records at the Barry 40 mile ultra marathon. Geoff broke 3 of his own world records set last year by running 30 miles in 5:00:23, 50 kilometres in 5:10:23 and by running 54.039 kilometres in 6 hours.

With the last of the Winter League races fast approaching (Westend 8), I thought I’d share this update from our LRRL rep Sarah Garford. Also, the men’s team are currently 1st in Division 2 and would be great to keep that way.

The President’s Shield Awards include a free membership for the winners. The awards are based on an age graded points system for individuals performance in the LRRL and presented to the top 3 ladies and top 3 men. Below are a list of everyone who has taken part in any of the LRRL Winter league races so far. Those in bold have done all of the races so far and are still on track for 100%.

Sunday 17 May is the last of the LRRL winter road running league races. This time a 8 mile race for those needing a 8 mile standard time you don’t find many 8 mile races.

Race Start: 10:30am (register at HRC base before 10am please).

Location: Syston Rugby Club, Barkby Road, Queniborough, LE7 3FE

Entry details – If you have a race number for the winter league please bring it with you to re-use. If you do not have a race number Sarah will issue you a new one. Race fee is £4. Please give payments to Sarah Garford on the day. You must wear a club vest (contact Penny Masser if you need one).

Lift share: Meet 08:30 at the Leisure Centre car park. Please post a status on the Facebook group if you are planning to lift share so that others can join.

Parking: At Syston – Generally quite good but please lift share if possible. It may not be possible to exit with a vehicle until the race is over. If there are still runners coming in, please exit left out of the club.

Sunday 29th March 2015 was the third 6 mile race of the LRRL winter league. We still have 16 members who have completed 100%, well done. 100% and President Shield points to be updated shortly. 28 members completed the race, 16 ladies and 12 men. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part or supported

Vet Women 7th in Division 1, currently 8th.

Women A team 8th in Division 1, currently 7th. Women B team 7th in Division 2, currently 5th. Women C team 14th in Division 3, currently 13th.

Vet Men 7th in Division 2, currently 7th.

Men 3rd in Division 2, currently 1st.

Did it rain?

For the men we had Dave Limmer as our first man home in 35:29, 22nd place. Thanks for the warm up run over Dave!

Our 2nd man home and male runner of the day is Chris Langham. 30th place and a time of 36:01 (PB), another fantastic result for Chris!

Chris Langham

Ed Batch is still chipping away at his 6m time and getting closer to a Silver time each race. Sir Ed had another cracking race so good to see him back on his speedy form, over 4 minute PB. A big well done to Richard Guest, first league race of the year and virtually his fastest pace in a race ever, he was still looking good as he finished too!

Ladies runner of the day goes to Sarah McSharry, her Spanish warm weather running training camp has clearly paid off. First lady back for Hinckley, 5th lady overall.

Sarah McSharry

Charlotte Sinclair had another great race and a big PB.
Next league race Sunday 17th May 2015, West End 8. Keep your winter race numbers!

This Sunday is the forth of the LRRL winter road running league. Another 6 mile race for those trying to improve your 6 mile times or add some speed to your marathon training. Include it in your long run by running there, back or both. Or incorporate it in cross training by cycling there and back. It is about 8 miles from Hinckley.

Race Start: 10:30am (register at HRC base by 10am please).
Location: Sport in Desford (SID), Peckleton Lane, Desford, LE9 9JU. (Opposite the Caterpillar factory)
Entry details – If you have a race number for the winter league please bring it with you to re-use. Race fee is £4. Please give payments to Sarah Garford on the day. You must wear a club vest (contact Penny Masser if you need one). If you do not have a race number Sarah will issue you a new one, which you should then retain for future races.
Lift shares;

Cars – meet 09:00 at the Leisure Centre car park.

Running – meet 08:15 at the front of the Leisure Centre

Cycling – meet 08:45 at the front of the Leisure Centre

Please post a status on the Facebook group if you are planning to lift share so that others can join.

Today saw at least 38 Hinckley runners complete Ashby 20 to get the famous cheese cob, oh and a hoody of course. Might be more that didn’t register as Hinckley. Great to see many family and friends running too. A fantastic turn out.

Before hand, much transferring of numbers due to injury, sad face. Also, car sharing for those not in Andy’s party bus. Brilliant to see so many out on the course cheering us on over the two loops. Then much cheering at the finish in the park.

So many PBs, from the first back to the last. Fantastic achievements and most are now a lot more confident about their upcoming marathons or ultras. Well done, recover well and good luck with the rest of the training.

With the first three Leicestershire Road Running League (LRRL) races completed. I thought it would be good to reflect on where everyone is for the President’s Shield award as well as who is still in the running (pun intended) for a 100% award.

The President’s Shield Awards include a free membership for the winners. The awards are based on an age graded points system for individuals performance in the LRRL and presented to the top 3 ladies and top 3 men. Below are a list of everyone who has taken part in the last two races. Those in bold have done both and are still on track for 100%.

Fair to say most people found this race one of the more challenging. Everyone asking each other at the end if they walked up ‘that’ hill or not. The weather was kind to us and it was a downhill finish. Some PBs even and many course PBs. The next winter league race is Desford 6 on the 29th March 2015. This will give everyone a chance to have another go at a 6 mile PB as Desford is less hilly than Kibworth.

26 runners from Hinckley completed the event, 13 men and 13 ladies. So a full team for the men and an A, B and C team for the ladies. No league tables since the first race unfortunately. We will update the President’s Shield positions and 100% over the weekend.

Simon Birch was first back for Hinckley in 7th place, showing his easy weekend of racing in-between half marathons. Great to see so many improved performances across the whole field. With some going for another warm down lap and others setting off to run back to Hinckley (Ed, Lisa and Odette!).

Men’s runner of the day goes to Matt Johnson, he was 18th overall and 2nd back for Hinckley. Well done on a great performance.

Matt Johnson

Ladies runner of the day goes to Sarah Garford. First lady back for Hinckley and one of her strongest performances recently, well done.

Sarah Garford

Thanks to Penny and Biscuit for the support. Well done everyone for taking part. No tents were harmed in the running of this event.

With the first two Leicestershire Road Running League (LRRL) races completed and the third race tomorrow, I thought it would be good to reflect on where everyone is for the President’s Shield award as well as who is still in the running (pun intended) for a 100% award.

The President’s Shield Awards include a free membership for the winners. The awards are based on an age graded points system for individuals performance in the LRRL and presented to the top 3 ladies and top 3 men. Below are a list of everyone who has taken part in the last two races. Those in bold have done both and are still on track for 100%. They are in order, so for instance, if we finished the league today, then Emma, Katy and Sarah would be 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the President’s Shield award.

Holly Hayes Woods saw a good turnout given it was probably the busiest running weekend of the year or XC season so far. With the men struggling to field a team at our own Cross Country in the last race due to being short 1 V40, 3 V40 men laced up their shoes for this one. Unfortunately, despite it being his birthday, coming from Edinburgh and his best efforts fighting a cold, Dave Limmer just missed the start of the race and so became a supporter rather than runner. Thanks very much for trying though.
Ladies had 4 runners and saw them finish 5th in Division 2, which for the season meant they kept 2nd place in Division 2! Well done ladies. I wonder if this will lead to promotion for next season.

The men managed 7th in Division 1 which meant they finished the season 5th in Division 1.

Team result was 5th, which means we end up being 4th in Division 1. Well done everyone.

Bethen Padbury picking up 10th lady overall, first lady back for Hinckley and first in her age group of U15. Great performances for Petrina Lancaster and Jenny Green too.

Bethan Padbury

For the ladies, runner of the day goes to Céline Guéry. After battling with the mud at Belvoir on Saturday she came back for more on Sunday and put in an excellent performance. Then to read on Facebook she then did 8 miles on Monday night too. Fantastic! She’s leaping from strength to strength!

Céline Guéry

For the men’s division we fielded 9 runners including 3 veterans to complete the season with a full side. George Birt, Ben Harding and Ben Masser were Hinckley’s one, two and three, as they have been for most of the season. They’ve really kept the team competitive! Chris Limmer finished in 70th place. Simon Bedder heroically stepped up to make sure the team had sufficient numbers when we were only 20 minutes from the start with a worrying 7 runners. Our missing member, Ed Briggs, cut it fine, but he did make the start line having run 20 miles to Coalville to join in!

Simon Bedder

In the last race we fell foul of the rules and we pleaded for veteran men to have a legal side this time. The efforts of Karl Scally, Mark Bailey and Ed Briggs were much appreciated to help us with our league position. Since he was first to volunteer, ran in borrowed shoes and was our first vet home – runner of the day goes to Karl Scally!

Last weekend (28th February and 1st March) saw plenty of running and a lot of achievements. Another post to follow shortly on the last cross country of the season at Holly Hayes Woods. And tomorrow is the 3rd of the LRRL Winter league, Kibworth 6.

Belvoir Challenge
One I haven’t done yet but has been on my list for the last few years. By all accounts a great event with a 15m and a 26m off road route.
For the 26m route, Tom Shardlow came in 4th in 3:36:15, Matt Johnson in 15th in 3:56:32, Paul Clayton 25th in 4:04:53. Sarah Garford, Aly Wren, Jo Martin and Paul Tomkins ran around in 05:27:37 and sounds like they all had a blast too. Rachel Southworth did well finishing in 06:15:05.

Matt tucking in!Leanne, Helen and Céline

For the 15m route, Elaine Doran ran in 03:01:38, Helen Wilebore, Celine Guery and Leanne Byard all ran together in 03:48:53 – also sounds like they had a good laugh. Jaqui Campbell ran it in 04:15:33, looks like she out-sprinted Elaine Wischhusen, Andrea Earley and Odette Foxall who came in just behind her in 04:19:17.

For the men Simon Birch first back for Hinckley in 20th position and a time of 77:28 (PB). We had a strong group of men who all beat 90 minutes; Chris Langham 82:51 (PB), Graham Berridge 85:08 (PB), Kevin Higham 86:06 (PB), Matthew Knight 86:51 (PB), Stephen Penney 87:40 (PB), Edward Batch 89:15 (PB) and Paul Ashby 89:24 (PB). Rob Pratt achieved a time of 1:42:17 and Andy Lauder in 1:47:48.

Emma winning!

For the ladies, an outstanding performance by Emma Styles saw her win in a time of 83:30 (PB). Lisa Freestone managed to sneak in a nice sub 2 hour time in 1:59:25, with Amanda Knight just behind in 2:00:17. Leanne Byard paced in Kirsty Pollard in 2:03:08 (PB). Kirsty took off over 27 minutes from her Leicester half time!

Victoria and Adrian Cormicle completed the race in 2:09:51, a PB for Victoria.